POLITICAL NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 4 November 1914, Page 4

POLITICAL NOTES

THE 'DYING SESSION. TO CLOSE TO-DAY. ( (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.} .., WELLINGTON, Nov. 3. The session, which has now lasted nineteen weeks, including the short- adjournments during the early stages of tho war, is expected to*close this evening. ■• The Prime Minister, in reply to n' question by Sir Joseph Ward, said that he expected that the - House would.! meet at noon to-morrow, and that ho expected" that the session would close by to-mor- . row evening. ' • COOK ISLANDS BILL. In a reference-to the Prime.Minister said that the administration- of the islands was in an, unsatisfactory condition owing to no penalties being provided for various offences-. Hesuggested that the.Bill should with the addition of an expiry or repeal clause to carry it on until next session, when the matter could: be reconsidered. ' Sir Joseph Ward;said that he* did- not. consider there was any need to -pass ' the • Bill ,and that he could not agree to the"' suggestion. , ;< Later in the evening Mr Massoy said' that he had been .informed by. the Printing Office that if any amendments to the Bill were made by'the House, it; would take 24 hours to reprint -t/hd;'. Bill. "This means," : said -Mr Masseyj ' "that the Bill has to be dropped."_

NELSON TIMBER AREAS. The-report of the Commission appointed to inquire into administration and. disposal of land-and timber Si Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland districts was presented to the- House yesterday.' The principal findings are as follows:—(1) That th e past administration of timbei areas under,the provisions of the Mining" Act and regulations thereunder has not been in the best. interests of the State; (2) that existing control of same by • wardens should be abolished except in respect of timber- specially set ; apart f6* > mining purposes; (3) that it is not de«A \ sirable to continue existing classification \ of timber areas as wardens' And land board areas.'. •■ . ' .-.-:■.■■•-••■-; ...

We aTe of opinion that the existing tenures under which land in mining districts in Nelson,, Westland,- and ; Marldorougli can.be occupied, are not! satts-. factory, nor in the best interests of set. f.Jemen't, for the reason that the tenure* are restricted; to leasehold without the right to acquire the- freehold,. persons who gave evidehce.before, lis »fc. most without exception desired tjio righfe. to acquire the' freehold.- It '■ \b recommended that -the option of acquiring tW freehold of various lands be gr;vntedl On. certain conditions.

The report of the Royal appointed-to-inquire into the systeah ; ofs land tenures in force at Hotoroa was >■ presented to Parliament vesterd&y. The. Commission finds .that iter© is. general desire to acquire the :freehold ,of ,\, the lands, and it, says to bo in tho interests of tlie> State as\well'aa -.the tenant.-' It also states that time for r change in- the. control 6f the tpvyri. - : d» '. tho direction of a ..rate on property Owners will scon bo imperative • :